As part of their retirement, Norman and Mary Lou Lathrop are making all of the INDEX TO HOW TO DO IT INFORMATION (1963-1999) and the LATHROP REPORT ON NEWSPAPER INDEXES (1979-1980 edition) freely available on this website.

By definition, an index or bibliography is a systematic arrangement of entries designed to enable users to locate information in a collection of documents. Both of these reference works cite original source material. However, the information referred to in these citations must be obtained from the original publisher, a library or other repository.

These two reference works began in paper form and have transitioned to the Internet. As with other printed works, electronic format has improved the ability to search for content within the text. However, your searches will be more rewarding if you take time to read the introductory material. Do so and you will become a more satisfied user.

From time to time additions and/or corrections may be made to the web version of INDEX TO HOW TO DO IT INFORMATION.

No additions and/or corrections will be made to the web version of LATHROP REPORT ON NEWSPAPER INDEXES. However it remains a valuable reference tool for genealogy and history.

The INDEX TO HOW TO DO IT INFORMATION is a guide to locating magazine articles that contain how-to information, instructions, plans, suggestions and tips on how to solve and prevent problems, construct projects, pursue an art, craft, hobby, etc. A complete list of magazine titles and issues that have been reviewed for how-to articles is provided through a Union List that accompanies the Index.

The LATHROP REPORT ON NEWSPAPER INDEXES is an illustrated bibliographical guide to both published and unpublished newspaper indexes in the United States and Canada. The Report is based on information supplied by the compiler, the publisher and/or a repository. The Report features sample illustrations of index pages, cards, or entries as they existed at the time of publication.